Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An image pickup apparatus capable of combining a plurality of continuously captured images, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory functioning as: a first detection unit configured to detect shake of the image pickup apparatus; a second detection unit configured to detect a moving amount of a captured image captured by an imaging unit; a correction unit configured to correct image blur of an image caused by shake of the image pickup apparatus; a control unit configured to calculate a blur amount of a target in the captured image from a shake detection signal detected by the first detection unit and the moving amount detected by the second detection unit and to control image blur correction performed by the correction unit; and a combining unit configured to combine a plurality of captured images with corrected image blur, wherein the control unit switches first control of controlling the correction unit using a correction amount calculated from the shake detection signal and second control of controlling the correction unit using a correction amount calculated from the shake detection signal and the moving amount, depending on detection reliability of the moving amount or a continuous shooting speed.
This invention relates to an image pickup apparatus designed to combine multiple continuously captured images while compensating for motion blur. The apparatus addresses the challenge of stabilizing images when the camera is shaken or when the subject moves, ensuring high-quality composite images. The system includes a shake detection unit to measure camera movement and an image motion detection unit to track movement within the captured frames. A correction unit applies blur compensation based on these inputs. A control unit calculates the blur amount of the target in the image by analyzing both the shake detection signal and the detected image motion, then adjusts the correction process accordingly. The apparatus can switch between two control modes: one that relies solely on shake detection for correction and another that incorporates both shake and image motion data. The switching mechanism depends on the reliability of the motion detection or the speed of continuous shooting. Finally, a combining unit merges the corrected images to produce a stabilized composite output. This approach enhances image quality by dynamically adapting to different shooting conditions and motion scenarios.
2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, in the first control, the control unit calculates the blur amount of the target using the average of the shake detection signal detected by the first detection unit in synchronization with a detection period of the second detection unit.
An image pickup apparatus includes a control unit that performs first and second control operations to reduce blur in captured images. The first control involves calculating the blur amount of a target using an average of shake detection signals from a first detection unit, synchronized with the detection period of a second detection unit. The second control adjusts the image pickup apparatus's position based on the calculated blur amount. The first detection unit detects shake or movement, while the second detection unit provides timing or synchronization signals. The control unit processes these signals to determine the blur amount and adjusts the apparatus to compensate for the detected movement, improving image stability. The apparatus may include additional components like an image sensor and a lens system, which are adjusted based on the control unit's calculations to minimize blur in the captured images. This system is particularly useful in scenarios where precise stabilization is required, such as in photography or videography, to counteract unintended movements and produce clearer images.
3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, in the second control, the control unit calculates the blur amount of the target using the average of the shake detection signal detected by the first detection unit in synchronization with a detection period of the second detection unit and the moving amount detected by the second detection unit.
This invention relates to image pickup apparatuses designed to reduce blur caused by camera shake or target movement. The apparatus includes a first detection unit that detects shake or movement of the apparatus itself, a second detection unit that detects movement of the target being captured, and a control unit that adjusts image capture parameters to compensate for blur. The control unit performs a second control mode where it calculates the total blur amount by combining the detected shake or movement of the apparatus with the detected movement of the target. Specifically, the control unit averages the shake detection signals from the first detection unit over the same time intervals as the target movement detection periods from the second detection unit, then combines this averaged shake data with the target movement data to determine the total blur correction needed. This allows for more accurate compensation by accounting for both the camera's instability and the target's motion, improving image sharpness in dynamic scenes. The apparatus may also include a first control mode where only the target movement is compensated, but the second control mode provides enhanced performance by incorporating both sources of blur. The invention is particularly useful in handheld or mobile imaging systems where both camera shake and subject movement are common.
4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the second detection unit detects motion vectors from data of a plurality of captured images, and wherein the control unit performs a process of extracting a target vector corresponding to a target region in the captured images from the plurality of motion vectors.
This invention relates to image pickup apparatuses, specifically those designed to detect and process motion vectors from captured images. The apparatus addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and tracking specific regions of interest within a sequence of images, which is crucial for applications like object tracking, video stabilization, and motion analysis. The apparatus includes a second detection unit that analyzes data from multiple captured images to detect motion vectors, which represent the movement of objects or features between frames. These motion vectors are then processed by a control unit, which performs a process to extract a target vector corresponding to a specific target region within the images. The target vector is derived from the plurality of motion vectors detected, allowing for precise tracking of the target region across frames. Additionally, the apparatus may include a first detection unit that detects a target object within the captured images, ensuring that the target region is accurately identified before motion vector extraction. The control unit may also adjust the target region based on the detected motion vectors, refining the tracking process. This system enables robust motion tracking even in dynamic environments where objects or camera movements introduce variability in the captured images. The invention improves upon prior methods by providing a more reliable and automated approach to motion vector extraction and target region tracking.
5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the first control if the detection reliability of the moving amount is lower than a threshold value and performs the second control if the detection reliability of the moving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
This invention relates to an image pickup apparatus designed to improve image stabilization by dynamically adjusting control based on the reliability of detected motion. The apparatus includes a motion detection unit that measures the moving amount of the apparatus, such as camera shake, and a control unit that adjusts image stabilization mechanisms. The control unit implements two distinct control modes: a first control mode for low-reliability motion detection and a second control mode for high-reliability motion detection. When the detection reliability of the moving amount falls below a predefined threshold, the control unit activates the first control mode, which likely employs a more conservative or alternative stabilization approach to prevent erroneous corrections. Conversely, when the detection reliability meets or exceeds the threshold, the second control mode is used, enabling more precise and responsive stabilization. The apparatus ensures optimal image quality by adapting its stabilization strategy based on the confidence level of motion detection, thereby mitigating artifacts caused by unreliable measurements while maximizing stabilization effectiveness when detection is accurate. This adaptive control enhances performance in varying conditions, such as low light or rapid movements, where motion detection reliability may fluctuate.
6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the first control if the continuous shooting speed is less than a threshold value and performs the second control if the continuous shooting speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
This invention relates to an image pickup apparatus designed to optimize performance based on continuous shooting speed. The apparatus includes an image pickup unit for capturing images and a control unit that adjusts operations based on the shooting speed. The control unit implements two distinct control modes: a first control mode for lower continuous shooting speeds and a second control mode for higher speeds. The first control mode is activated when the shooting speed is below a predefined threshold, while the second control mode is engaged when the speed meets or exceeds the threshold. The apparatus may also include a drive unit for moving the image pickup unit, a detection unit for monitoring the state of the image pickup unit, and a determination unit for assessing whether the image pickup unit is in a movable state. The control unit adjusts the drive unit's operation based on the detection unit's output and the determination unit's assessment. The invention aims to enhance image capture efficiency and reliability by dynamically adapting control strategies to different shooting speeds, ensuring optimal performance across varying operational conditions.
7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the number of detection times when the second detection unit detects the moving amount if changes in the blur amount of the target are less than a threshold value in continuous imaging.
This invention relates to image pickup apparatuses designed to reduce blur in captured images, particularly during continuous imaging where motion blur can degrade image quality. The apparatus includes a first detection unit that measures the blur amount of a target, a second detection unit that detects the moving amount of the target, and a control unit that adjusts imaging parameters based on these measurements. The control unit dynamically changes the frequency of blur detection by the second detection unit when the blur amount variations of the target fall below a predefined threshold during continuous imaging. This adaptive adjustment optimizes detection efficiency, reducing unnecessary processing while maintaining image stability. The apparatus may also include an imaging unit that captures images of the target and a correction unit that compensates for blur based on the detected motion data. The control unit can further adjust the imaging unit's settings, such as exposure time or focus, to minimize blur effects. The invention improves continuous imaging performance by balancing detection frequency with computational efficiency, ensuring sharp images even when the target's motion is minimal.
8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit decreases the number of detection times when the second detection unit detects the moving amount in the second and subsequent imaging and following imaging to below the number of times the second detection unit detects a moving amount in first imaging.
The invention relates to an image pickup apparatus designed to improve tracking and imaging accuracy by dynamically adjusting the frequency of motion detection during sequential imaging operations. The apparatus includes a first detection unit that detects a moving amount of a subject in a first imaging operation, and a second detection unit that detects a moving amount of the subject in subsequent imaging operations. A control unit is configured to reduce the number of detection times performed by the second detection unit in the second and subsequent imaging operations compared to the first imaging operation. This reduction helps optimize processing efficiency while maintaining tracking accuracy, particularly in scenarios where the subject's motion characteristics are already partially known from the initial detection. The apparatus may also include an imaging unit that captures images of the subject and a tracking unit that tracks the subject based on the detected moving amounts. The control unit may further adjust the detection frequency based on factors such as the subject's motion pattern or environmental conditions to enhance overall performance. The invention addresses the challenge of balancing computational efficiency with tracking precision in dynamic imaging environments.
9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit sets the number of times the number of detection times of the moving amount as a first number of detection times if the magnitude of a difference between a detected previous blur amount of the target and a current blur amount of the target is equal to or greater than a threshold value and sets the number of times the moving amount is detected to a second number of times of detection less than the first number of times of detection if the magnitude of the difference is less than the threshold value.
An image pickup apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a moving amount of a target within a captured image and a control unit that adjusts the number of detection times for the moving amount based on the magnitude of the difference between a previously detected blur amount and a current blur amount of the target. The control unit sets a first number of detection times when the difference magnitude exceeds a threshold value, indicating significant motion or blur changes, and a second, lower number of detection times when the difference is below the threshold, indicating stable motion. This adaptive detection scheme optimizes processing efficiency by increasing detection frequency during rapid motion changes to improve tracking accuracy and reducing it during stable motion to conserve computational resources. The apparatus may also include an image pickup unit for capturing images and a blur correction unit for compensating for detected motion. The detection unit may use phase difference detection or other methods to determine the moving amount, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the detection frequency to balance accuracy and performance. This approach enhances real-time tracking in applications like camera stabilization, autofocus, or object tracking.
10. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit determines the number of times the moving amount is detected using a frame rate corresponding to the detection period of the second detection unit, an exposure time and a continuous shooting speed of the imaging unit.
This invention relates to an image pickup apparatus designed to improve motion detection accuracy in imaging systems. The apparatus includes a first detection unit that detects a moving amount of a subject based on image data captured by an imaging unit, and a second detection unit that detects the moving amount using a sensor separate from the imaging unit. The control unit determines the number of times the moving amount is detected by the first detection unit based on a frame rate corresponding to the detection period of the second detection unit, the exposure time of the imaging unit, and the continuous shooting speed of the imaging unit. This ensures precise motion tracking by dynamically adjusting detection frequency according to imaging conditions. The apparatus may also include a correction unit that corrects image data based on the detected moving amount, improving image stability and clarity. The second detection unit may use a gyro sensor or other motion detection hardware to provide additional motion data, enhancing accuracy beyond optical-based detection alone. The system optimizes performance by balancing detection frequency with processing load, ensuring real-time operation without excessive computational overhead. This approach is particularly useful in high-speed imaging, where rapid subject movement and short exposure times require precise motion compensation.
11. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the blur amount of the target is a blur amount of a background.
An image pickup apparatus is designed to capture images with reduced background blur, particularly in scenarios where the background is out of focus relative to the subject. The apparatus includes an image sensor and a processing unit that analyzes the captured image to determine the blur amount of the background. By assessing the blur level, the apparatus can apply corrective measures, such as digital sharpening or depth estimation, to improve image quality. The processing unit may also adjust focus settings dynamically to minimize background blur during subsequent captures. This technology is useful in photography and videography, where maintaining sharpness in both foreground and background elements is critical. The apparatus may further include an autofocus mechanism that prioritizes background clarity based on the detected blur amount, ensuring balanced sharpness across the image. The system can operate in real-time, making it suitable for applications like surveillance, medical imaging, and high-resolution photography. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining image clarity in varying depth-of-field conditions, enhancing overall visual quality.
12. A control method performed in an image pickup apparatus capable of combining a plurality of continuously captured images, comprising: detecting, by a first detection unit, shake of the image pickup apparatus and detecting, by a second detection unit, a moving amount of a captured image captured by the image pickup apparatus; correcting image blur of an image caused by shake of the image pickup apparatus by calculating a blur amount of a target in the captured image from a shake detection signal detected by the first detection unit and the moving amount detected by the second detection unit and controlling a correction unit; combining a plurality of captured images with corrected image blur; and switching first control of controlling the correction unit using a correction amount calculated from the shake detection signal and second control of controlling the correction unit using a correction amount calculated from the shake detection signal and the moving amount, depending on detection reliability of the moving amount or a continuous shooting speed.
This technical summary describes a control method for an image pickup apparatus designed to reduce image blur in combined images. The apparatus captures multiple images continuously and combines them to produce a final output. The method addresses the problem of image blur caused by camera shake during continuous shooting, particularly when combining multiple frames. The method involves two detection units: a first unit detects shake of the apparatus, while a second unit measures the movement of the captured image. The system calculates the blur amount of a target in the captured image using signals from both detection units and adjusts a correction unit to compensate for the blur. The corrected images are then combined to form a stable final image. The method includes a switching mechanism that alternates between two control modes. The first mode uses only the shake detection signal to adjust the correction unit, while the second mode incorporates both the shake detection signal and the moving amount of the captured image. The system selects between these modes based on the reliability of the moving amount detection or the speed of continuous shooting. This ensures optimal blur correction under varying conditions, such as low-light environments where image movement detection may be less reliable or high-speed shooting scenarios where rapid adjustments are needed. The approach improves image stability in combined outputs.
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December 22, 2020
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